Buffalo woman accused of keeping child in cage

Naesha R. Lumpkin, 24, is due in court June 13 on a misdemeanor charge of endangering her 2-year-old son, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

State police arrested Lumpkin on Feb. 8 at his Chadduck Avenue residence on a warrant and discovered the child in a playpen covered by a piece of crib tied on three sides to the top, preventing the toddler to stand or get out of the structure. .

Authorities said the child and cage were covered in feces, with more feces on the walls. The child and bedding were soaked in urine and feces, they added.

Troopers called Erie County Child Protective Services and AMR Ambulance for medical help. The child was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital for treatment.

While undergoing treatment at the hospital, medical staff discovered bruising on the child’s face and body, as well as two healing fractured ribs, likely occurring 10 days to two weeks ago , according to state police.

Asked about her son’s injuries, Lumpkin said the child fell down the stairs in late December or early January, state police said. Lumpkin said her son was crying following the incident, but she did not seek medical attention for him.

Police did not release any information about the charges against Lumpkin until Thursday.

“The investigation continues because the child was injured. And depending on how the investigation progresses, additional charges may be filed,” State Police Public Information Officer James O’Callaghan said. to explain this delay.

State police and the prosecutor’s office decided in May not to file new charges against Lumpkin.

Lumpkin’s child endangerment case is pending in Buffalo Municipal Court. She is expected to return for further proceedings on June 13, the prosecutor’s office said.